TUCKER QUALIFIES THIRD FOR RACE THREE OF FERRARI CHALLENGE SERIES

Saturday's action-packed race weekend was off to a successful start for Scott Tucker and his Boardwalk Ferrari team. Securing a worthy starting position for race three of the 2009 Ferrari Challenge Series season, Tucker took third on the starting grid after this morning's qualifying session, turning in a time of 01:27.023 at 105.076 mph. Ferrari of Houston's Richard Fant clocked the fastest time of the session in the No. 42 car at 01:26.699 (105.468 mph), taking pole position. Driver Zak Brown followed him at 01:26.929 (105.189 mph), setting up a classic showdown for this afternoon's race.

"Overall we are very pleased with how the car is running," said Tucker, who currently sits first in the series standings with 400 points. "Straight from the beginning we've been very quick, and now we need to translate that once again, into a good race result. I'm confident that when the green flag drops, I can put myself back in prime position to take over Fant's No. 1 spot."

Tucker and his No. 55 Supercar Life Ferrari F430 machine have dominated the east coast tracks of the Ferrari Challenge Series this season. During the season-opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Tucker swept all six timed practice sessions, secured pole for race one and, after leading every lap twice, took the checkered flag in the doubleheader weekend.

"We've got a good car this season," Team Manager David Stone said. "Our competitors know that, we know that. The car had a good grip on the track this session, so we should be running well up front for the race today. As a team we're going to do the best we can, hope to win the race and leave with as many points as possible come end of the race weekend."

Among the rest of the pack, Ferrari of Beverly Hills Sunny Yu drove to a quick time of 01:27.528 (104.469 mph), earning the fourth spot on the starting grid, with driver Henri Richard following close behind and rounding out the Top Five with a time of 01:27.568 (104.422 mph).

Trouble found Mark McKenzie in the No. 27 car, however. After spinning out and causing a black flag during the qualifying session, McKenzie was moved to the back of the starting grid in the No. 20 spot. It was an unexpected twist for the driver from Ferrari of Houston who, after running second to Tucker in the standings with 330 points, was certainly looking to close the 70-point gap during today's race three.

Twenty drivers will participate in this afternoon's 45-minute race scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EST.